I READ with interest the article about the funeral of former fireman Mr George Thomas.

You reported that he was the last surviving member of Blackburn Borough Fire Brigade which existed between 1948 and 1974 before becoming Lancashire County Fire Brigade.

If my memory serves me right, this statement is not correct.

An old friend of mine, Mr Johnny Hinnigan, was a station officer in Blackburn during this time.

Mr Hinnigan was appointed the Chief Fire Officer to the Isle of Man Fire Service.

As far as I can recall, Mr Hinnigan retired from this post and currently lives with his wife, Joan, in Braddan, Isle of Man.

ROY MARTIN, Kemp Court, Whalley New Road, Blackburn.